US5910088A - Air infiltration prevention in buildings - Google Patents

Air infiltration prevention in buildings Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US5910088A
US5910088A US09/090,361 US9036198A US5910088A US 5910088 A US5910088 A US 5910088A US 9036198 A US9036198 A US 9036198A US 5910088 A US5910088 A US 5910088A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
wooden
seal
abutting
glue
subfloors
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US09/090,361
Inventor
Lawrence L. Staples
Timothy O'Neil
Original Assignee
Aladdin Insulation and Roofing Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=26726250&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=US5910088(A) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
US case filed in Missouri Eastern District Court litigation https://portal.unifiedpatents.com/litigation/Missouri%20Eastern%20District%20Court/case/4%3A08-cv-00306 Source: District Court Jurisdiction: Missouri Eastern District Court "Unified Patents Litigation Data" by Unified Patents is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by Aladdin Insulation and Roofing Inc filed Critical Aladdin Insulation and Roofing Inc
Priority to US09/090,361 priority Critical patent/US5910088A/en
Assigned to ALADDIN INSULATION & ROOFING, INC. reassignment ALADDIN INSULATION & ROOFING, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: O'NEIL, TIMOTHY, STAPLES, LAWRENCE L.
Assigned to C&S PARTNERSHIP, THE reassignment C&S PARTNERSHIP, THE ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: ALADDIN INSULATION & ROOFING, INC.
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US5910088A publication Critical patent/US5910088A/en
Assigned to STAPLES, LAWRENCE L. reassignment STAPLES, LAWRENCE L. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: C&S PARTNERSHIP
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
    • E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
    • E04B1/18—Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons
    • E04B1/26—Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons the supporting parts consisting of wood
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
    • E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
    • E04B1/62—Insulation or other protection; Elements or use of specified material therefor

Definitions

  • This invention is directed to a method for reducing infiltration of air into a residence or other building, which reduction in air infiltration results in a reduction in heating and cooling requirements.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide an improved method for reducing air infiltration in a building.
  • the invention is directed to a method for reducing air infiltration in a building having a frame comprising wooden components, the method comprising applying glue to abutting wooden surfaces to provide a seal between such surfaces to prevent air flow between such surfaces.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wall panel system treated in accordance with the method of the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a joint treated in accordance with the method of the invention.
  • One aspect of this invention involves installation into a building, during construction, of an energy packaging in which various abutting surfaces in the building are glued to each other. This is in contrast to applying a substance such as caulk essentially only fills in gaps between abutting surfaces, but does not bind and seal the gaps like glue does. By gluing such surfaces together, an actual seal is created between the surfaces which more completely blocks the flow of air between such surfaces. Furthermore, by gluing such surfaces together, longer lasting air infiltration is imparted to such surfaces which withstands minor movement of such surfaces relative to each other, and normal expanding and contracting through the seasons and through the years.
  • the invention involves applying glue to bind wooden components known as double plates together in a building as shown in FIG. 1, to block air infiltration between the two plates.
  • the glue is applied once the frame and exterior sheeting of the building is in place, but prior to installation of fiber insulation.
  • Glue is applied between double studs which support, for example, window and door headers to bind the two studs together and prevent air infiltration between them.
  • Glue is applied where surfaces of wooden components abut at corners of wall frames at, for example, a 90° angle as shown in FIG. 1 and other corners.
  • Glue is applied at abutting surfaces at subfloors and where subfloors meet exterior wall plates.
  • Glue is applied where floor joists abut other surfaces, as shown in FIG. 2.
  • Glue is applied where bandboards surfaces abut other surfaces. Glue is applied at most surfaces where two-by-fours and other wooden components abut each other and other surfaces.
  • glue is applied to joints in air ducts. The effect of the foregoing is to form a permanent seal between all of the aforementioned surfaces which seal blocks the flow of air between such surfaces. It is preferred that a seal is created at the majority of the above-described abutting surfaces, more preferred that a seal is created at 85% of the above-described abutting surfaces, most preferably that a seal is created at all of the above-described abutting surfaces within the building.
  • the glue preferably is a hydrocarbon-based adhesive containing petroleum distillates, more preferably an aromatic hydrocarbon-based adhesive, still more preferably a benzene derivative based adhesive, most preferably a naphthalene- and benzene-based adhesive.
  • One preferred glue is commercially available from Glidden Company under the trade name "Liquid Nails.”
  • This glue contains petroleum distillates, polymers with petroleum naphtha, benzene, 1,3,-diethenyl-, polymer with 1,3-butadiene and ethenylbenzene, carbonic acid, calcium salt, kaolin, solvent naphtha, light aliphatic, quartz, 3-methylpentane, 2,2-dimethylbutane, 2,3-dimethylbutane, and 2-methylpentane.
  • the preferred glue has elastomeric properties which allow it to expand and contract as the wooden components expand and contract.
  • the foregoing sealing operation is carried out in combination with application of insulating material around windows and doors, behind electric boxes at exterior walls, and at wire and pipe holes at exterior walls and interior attic walls.
  • the preferred material for this optional operation is that which is commercially available from Owens Corning under the trade designation "Pink Seal.”
  • a second optional aspect of this invention involves testing for air infiltration after a first phase of sealing and further sealing with glue where air infiltration is determined not to have been prevented.
  • this energy package is installed and the home is tested for air infiltration prior to installation of fiberglass insulation.
  • Testing involves temporary installation of a blower door into an exterior doorway in the home. This blower door essentially pulls a vacuum on the house to detect and quantify leaks.
  • a third aspect of this invention involves a link among an insulation installer, a lending institution, and new home purchaser, which link is essentially a method of increasing the potential size of the purchaser's home.
  • Lending institutions are prepared to lend a greater amount of money to the purchaser of a home having the above-noted air infiltration package because the purchaser's utility bills will be reduced by, for example, 20% over the life of the home. The purchaser is therefore able to purchase a larger home.
  • a blower door was installed in a door to each of the four homes. Upon operation of the blower door, the control home was determined to undergo 0.95 air changes per hour.
  • the three homes prepared in accordance with the invention underwent 0.52, 0.24, and 0.62 air changes per hour, for an average of 0.46 air changes per hour. By comparison of 0.95 air changes to 0.46 air changes, it is evident that air infiltration was reduced by more than 50%.

Abstract

A method for reducing air infiltration in a building having a frame constructed with wooden components. Glue is applied to abutting wooden surfaces to provide a seal between such surfaces to prevent air flow between such surfaces.

Description

This application claims priority of provisional application 60/048,548 filed Jun. 4, 1997.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention is directed to a method for reducing infiltration of air into a residence or other building, which reduction in air infiltration results in a reduction in heating and cooling requirements.
In insulating a building it has been the prior practice to reduce the infiltration of air into and within the building by applying caulk to fill some gaps between boards, voids and other locations where air would otherwise have an opportunity to seep into the building and from one location in the building to another location. For example, between two components of a double stud supporting a window header, there is typically a small gap in places where the two surfaces do not lay completely flat against each other. It has been the practice to apply a strip of caulk along such seams in order to fill in any gaps where air would tend to have an opportunity to flow. A disadvantage of this approach has been that this filling in of gaps provides is incomplete and, particularly over time as the abutting pieces move relative to each other, further gaps are formed which allow air to nonetheless flow between the abutting components. Caulk does not expand and contract sufficiently to keep such gaps sealed through seasonal cycles.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide an improved method for reducing air infiltration in a building.
Briefly, therefore, the invention is directed to a method for reducing air infiltration in a building having a frame comprising wooden components, the method comprising applying glue to abutting wooden surfaces to provide a seal between such surfaces to prevent air flow between such surfaces.
Other objects and features of the invention will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wall panel system treated in accordance with the method of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a joint treated in accordance with the method of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
One aspect of this invention involves installation into a building, during construction, of an energy packaging in which various abutting surfaces in the building are glued to each other. This is in contrast to applying a substance such as caulk essentially only fills in gaps between abutting surfaces, but does not bind and seal the gaps like glue does. By gluing such surfaces together, an actual seal is created between the surfaces which more completely blocks the flow of air between such surfaces. Furthermore, by gluing such surfaces together, longer lasting air infiltration is imparted to such surfaces which withstands minor movement of such surfaces relative to each other, and normal expanding and contracting through the seasons and through the years.
The invention involves applying glue to bind wooden components known as double plates together in a building as shown in FIG. 1, to block air infiltration between the two plates. The glue is applied once the frame and exterior sheeting of the building is in place, but prior to installation of fiber insulation. Glue is applied between double studs which support, for example, window and door headers to bind the two studs together and prevent air infiltration between them. Glue is applied where surfaces of wooden components abut at corners of wall frames at, for example, a 90° angle as shown in FIG. 1 and other corners. Glue is applied at abutting surfaces at subfloors and where subfloors meet exterior wall plates. Glue is applied where floor joists abut other surfaces, as shown in FIG. 2. Glue is applied where bandboards surfaces abut other surfaces. Glue is applied at most surfaces where two-by-fours and other wooden components abut each other and other surfaces. Optionally, glue is applied to joints in air ducts. The effect of the foregoing is to form a permanent seal between all of the aforementioned surfaces which seal blocks the flow of air between such surfaces. It is preferred that a seal is created at the majority of the above-described abutting surfaces, more preferred that a seal is created at 85% of the above-described abutting surfaces, most preferably that a seal is created at all of the above-described abutting surfaces within the building. This reference to, for example, "majority of," "85% of," and "all of the above-described surfaces" is intended to convey that where, for example, two 2-by-4s lay on top of each other, glue is applied to "all" of the abutting length. This is not intended to convey that "all" of the abutting surface area is sealed. To seal the entirety of the abutting surfaces of two 2-by-4s, it is necessary to apply glue to the entire length of contact, but not to the entire flat contacting surfaces of the respective boards. The same concept applies to the reference to "majority" and "85%" in this sentence. What is critical is to create a seal at the majority of, 85% of, or all of, the abutting surfaces, to seal the majority of, 85% of, or all of the gaps between such surfaces, which does not require application of glue to the entirety of such surfaces.
In carrying out the gluing of surfaces together, the glue preferably is a hydrocarbon-based adhesive containing petroleum distillates, more preferably an aromatic hydrocarbon-based adhesive, still more preferably a benzene derivative based adhesive, most preferably a naphthalene- and benzene-based adhesive. One preferred glue is commercially available from Glidden Company under the trade name "Liquid Nails." This glue contains petroleum distillates, polymers with petroleum naphtha, benzene, 1,3,-diethenyl-, polymer with 1,3-butadiene and ethenylbenzene, carbonic acid, calcium salt, kaolin, solvent naphtha, light aliphatic, quartz, 3-methylpentane, 2,2-dimethylbutane, 2,3-dimethylbutane, and 2-methylpentane. The preferred glue has elastomeric properties which allow it to expand and contract as the wooden components expand and contract.
Because this glue, as contrasted with caulk, has the ability to expand and contract as abutting surfaces expand and contract, the integrity of the seal between abutting surfaces is not compromised as the building undergoes normal expansion and contraction due to changes in temperature. Sealing a house by this method has been determined to reduce air infiltration by about half.
In another embodiment of the invention, the foregoing sealing operation is carried out in combination with application of insulating material around windows and doors, behind electric boxes at exterior walls, and at wire and pipe holes at exterior walls and interior attic walls. The preferred material for this optional operation is that which is commercially available from Owens Corning under the trade designation "Pink Seal."
In accordance with this invention it is preferred to reduce air infiltration to less than about 0.7 air changes per hour, preferably to less than about 0.5 air changes per hour.
A second optional aspect of this invention involves testing for air infiltration after a first phase of sealing and further sealing with glue where air infiltration is determined not to have been prevented. During construction of a home, this energy package is installed and the home is tested for air infiltration prior to installation of fiberglass insulation. Testing involves temporary installation of a blower door into an exterior doorway in the home. This blower door essentially pulls a vacuum on the house to detect and quantify leaks. One then examines the house throughout with a smoke stick while the blower is in operation in order to detect any significant leaks, representing air infiltration, and then seals such leaks using glue. In many instances this operation is not performed because there is sufficient confidence in the first sealing operation.
A third aspect of this invention involves a link among an insulation installer, a lending institution, and new home purchaser, which link is essentially a method of increasing the potential size of the purchaser's home. Lending institutions are prepared to lend a greater amount of money to the purchaser of a home having the above-noted air infiltration package because the purchaser's utility bills will be reduced by, for example, 20% over the life of the home. The purchaser is therefore able to purchase a larger home.
EXAMPLE
Three homes under construction were sealed in accordance with the method of the invention after all of the trusses, floors, and exterior wall panels were in place. In particular, glue available under the trade designation "Liquid Nails" was applied between the following abutting surfaces: double plates, double studs, studs and headers, corner surfaces of wall frames, subfloors and exterior wall plates, bandboard surfaces and subfloors, bandboards and plates, and two-by-fours. A high density ceiling insulation package was installed in each of the three homes. A fourth home under construction was prepared with a standard R-38 ceiling insulation package without application of glue between abutting surfaces to serve as a control home for comparison.
A blower door was installed in a door to each of the four homes. Upon operation of the blower door, the control home was determined to undergo 0.95 air changes per hour. The three homes prepared in accordance with the invention underwent 0.52, 0.24, and 0.62 air changes per hour, for an average of 0.46 air changes per hour. By comparison of 0.95 air changes to 0.46 air changes, it is evident that air infiltration was reduced by more than 50%.
As various changes could be made in the above embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims (9)

What is claimed is:
1. A method for reducing air infiltration in a building, the method comprising applying glue to a majority of abutting wooden surfaces in a building having a frame constructed from wooden frame components comprising said wooden surfaces to seal gaps between said wooden surfaces to block air flow between such surfaces, said applying of said glue being carried out after said frame, including trusses, floors, and exterior wall panels of the building are secured in place, and said glue having elastomeric properties allowing it to expand and contract as wooden surfaces to which it is applied expand and contract.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein said wooden frame components comprise plates, double plates, double studs, studs, headers, wall frames, subfloors, exterior wall plates, bandboards, subfloors, and two-by-fours.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein the glue is a hydrocarbon-based adhesive containing petroleum distillates.
4. The method of claim 2 including applying glue to create a seal between abutting surfaces at the following abutting surfaces: double plates, double studs, studs and headers, corner surfaces of wall frames, subfloors and exterior wall plates, bandboard surfaces and subfloors, bandboards and plates, and two-by-fours.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein glue is applied to at least about 85% of said abutting surfaces in the building.
6. The method of claim 1 comprising:
applying glue to create a seal between abutting surfaces of wooden components forming double plates of wall panels;
applying glue to create a seal between abutting surfaces of wooden components of double studs supporting window and door headers;
applying glue to create a seal between abutting surfaces of wooden wall panels forming corners; and
applying glue to create a seal between abutting surfaces at subfloors and where subfloors meet exterior wall plates.
7. The method of claim 1 comprising, in sequence:
a) applying glue to create a seal between wooden components forming double plates, between wooden components of double studs supporting window and door headers, between abutting surfaces of wooden wall panels forming corners, between abutting surfaces at subfloors and where subfloors meet exterior wall plates;
b) drawing air into the building and locating gaps between abutting surfaces; and
c) applying glue to seal gaps located in step (b).
8. A method for reducing air infiltration to less than about 0.7 air changes per hour in a residence having a frame comprising wooden components, the method comprising applying glue to abutting wooden surfaces to provide a seal between such surfaces to block air flow between such surfaces and reduce air infiltration to less than about 0.7 air changes per hour.
9. The method of claim 8 comprising applying glue to abutting wooden surfaces to provide a seal between such surfaces to block air flow between such surfaces and reduce air infiltration to less than about 0.5 air changes per hour.
US09/090,361 1997-06-04 1998-06-04 Air infiltration prevention in buildings Expired - Lifetime US5910088A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/090,361 US5910088A (en) 1997-06-04 1998-06-04 Air infiltration prevention in buildings

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US4854897P 1997-06-04 1997-06-04
US09/090,361 US5910088A (en) 1997-06-04 1998-06-04 Air infiltration prevention in buildings

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US5910088A true US5910088A (en) 1999-06-08

Family

ID=26726250

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/090,361 Expired - Lifetime US5910088A (en) 1997-06-04 1998-06-04 Air infiltration prevention in buildings

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (1) US5910088A (en)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3707062A (en) * 1970-02-02 1972-12-26 Fleetwood B Joiner Jr Field application of thermosetting resin
US3995401A (en) * 1975-11-20 1976-12-07 National Gypsum Company Method of attaching wallboard and stud therefor
US5339798A (en) * 1990-12-07 1994-08-23 Christian William D Modular home system
US5687520A (en) * 1996-06-26 1997-11-18 Stranahan; David A. Sealing system for log buildings
US5713164A (en) * 1996-02-02 1998-02-03 Ryan; Richard T. Pool liner installation system

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3707062A (en) * 1970-02-02 1972-12-26 Fleetwood B Joiner Jr Field application of thermosetting resin
US3995401A (en) * 1975-11-20 1976-12-07 National Gypsum Company Method of attaching wallboard and stud therefor
US5339798A (en) * 1990-12-07 1994-08-23 Christian William D Modular home system
US5713164A (en) * 1996-02-02 1998-02-03 Ryan; Richard T. Pool liner installation system
US5687520A (en) * 1996-06-26 1997-11-18 Stranahan; David A. Sealing system for log buildings

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6125608A (en) Composite insulated framing members and envelope extension system for buildings
US11692343B2 (en) Dynamic, fire-resistance-rated thermally insulating and sealing system having a F-Rating of 120 min for use with curtain wall structures
EP0018338B1 (en) Method of building an energy saving building, and an energy saving building
US4328652A (en) Insulated structure and method for insulating a structure
CA3229913A1 (en) Wallboard-fastening device for securing wallboards in an outside-corner configuration
US5910088A (en) Air infiltration prevention in buildings
US8241445B2 (en) Flashing material
Stone THAT WORK
RU216049U1 (en) Insulating monoblock for joints of panel wall structures
Anis Commissioning the Air Barrier System.
Bomberg et al. Building Envelope and Environmental Control: Part 3--Issues of System Integration
Loebus et al. The multifunctional TES-façade joint
Wemhoff Model Code for the Prevention of Residential HAC Distribution System Leakage and HAC-Induced Building Leakage
Porter Facility Air Leakage
Judson DIVISION 8–DOORS, WINDOWS AND GLASS SECTION
ROOFING COLUMBIA, SC
Lees Upside-down house
Levin New Residential Building Construction in the United States
Class Revisions/Clarifications
Maloney Air-leakage control manual.
Andenæs et al. Watertight insertion of heavy sliding doors in exterior walls
Abdelwahab et al. Small-scale testing of air barrier systems adhered to sheathing boards under in-plane cyclic loading simulating a seismic event
Kochkin et al. Construction Guide to Next-Generation High-Performance Walls in Climate Zones 3-5-Part 1: 2x6 Walls
Peterson et al. Exterior wall airtightness and the role of air barriers and vapour retarders.
Levin New residential building construction in the US.

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: ALADDIN INSULATION & ROOFING, INC., MISSOURI

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:STAPLES, LAWRENCE L.;O'NEIL, TIMOTHY;REEL/FRAME:009221/0054

Effective date: 19980603

AS Assignment

Owner name: C&S PARTNERSHIP, THE, MISSOURI

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:ALADDIN INSULATION & ROOFING, INC.;REEL/FRAME:009824/0643

Effective date: 19990303

STCF Information on status: patent grant

Free format text: PATENTED CASE

FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: PAYOR NUMBER ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: ASPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: SMALL ENTITY

REMI Maintenance fee reminder mailed
FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 4

SULP Surcharge for late payment
REMI Maintenance fee reminder mailed
FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 8

SULP Surcharge for late payment

Year of fee payment: 7

AS Assignment

Owner name: STAPLES, LAWRENCE L., MISSOURI

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:C&S PARTNERSHIP;REEL/FRAME:020134/0590

Effective date: 20070614

RR Request for reexamination filed

Effective date: 20080502

B1 Reexamination certificate first reexamination

Free format text: CLAIMS 1, 8 AND 9 ARE CANCELLED. CLAIMS 2, 6 AND 7 ARE DETERMINED TO BE PATENTABLE AS AMENDED. CLAIMS 3, 4 AND 5, DEPENDENT ON AN AMENDED CLAIM, ARE DETERMINED TO BE PATENTABLE. NEW CLAIMS 10-16 ARE ADDED AND DETERMINED TO BE PATENTABLE.

RR Request for reexamination filed

Effective date: 20090624

RR Request for reexamination filed

Effective date: 20090924

B2 Reexamination certificate second reexamination

Free format text: THE PATENTABILITY OF CLAIMS 2-7, 10, 13 AND 14 IS CONFIRMED. CLAIMS 1, 8 AND 9 WERE PREVIOUSLY CANCELLED. CLAIMS 11, 12, 15 AND 16 ARE CANCELLED. NEW CLAIMS 17-21 ARE ADDED AND DETERMINED TO BE PATENTABLE.

REMI Maintenance fee reminder mailed
FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 12

SULP Surcharge for late payment

Year of fee payment: 11